Some would say that the upcoming departure of shady General Hospital character Shiloh -- a.k.a. David Henry Archer, Hank, and the Dawn of Day leader -- hasn't come soon enough. But the creepy character's portrayer, Coby Ryan McLaughlin, reveals that the writers originally planned to have him around for another three years!
The talented actor recently guest-starred on the podcast You May Have Seen, where he revealed some very interesting details about his departure, indeed.
"It was supposed to be a three-year deal," McLaughlin shares of his initial contract. "I can't say anything because I don't want to give away any spoilers."
Even though his GH deal ran short (like, way short) of what he originally signed up for, the actor insists that not only is he cool with it, but he also understands why it turned out that way.
"I'm so good -- I had nine months. The character just got so diabolical. They had written him as so nasty," he shares. "Finally, I got a call, and they're like, 'Yeah, sorry, we're not gonna re-up you.' I'm like, 'You know what? I'm good. Thank you for the ride. This was fun.'"
As enjoyable as it was, McLaughlin admits that filming a soap opera is much tougher than he ever thought it would be.
"It's really intense. It's an intense process. I had a great time. I'm glad to have it on my résumé. I'm glad to have done it," he says. "I've never done anything that's challenged me as much or has intimidated me so much. It's such a f***ing trip, man. You have to step up to the plate in such a way that... it makes me sweat. I've had anxiety attacks!"
However, he says the experience has been equally rewarding -- especially the fan interactions he's had over the course of his nine months on the show.
"I get stopped in Target all the time. Being a single father, that's where I spend most of my time, in Target. So, I get stopped all the time. I love it!" he enthuses. "I always said that one of the greatest parts about being an actor is the fact that we get to touch people on a level that we'll never meet, and we get to elicit an emotion from those individuals. And not only do I get to do that, I get to meet those people!"
Unfortunately, McLaughlin hasn't revealed his final airdate, nor how his character makes will exit the screen. However, viewers will probably want to make sure that they don't miss any episodes this week.
What do you think about Coby Ryan McLaughlin's exit from GH? Are you happy to see Shiloh go, or were you hoping that the writers would find a way to redeem the evil character? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
